The Kompannaveediya police have launched an extensive investigation into a high-profile theft where six priceless nineteenth-century paintings and a wristwatch worth 1.3 million rupees have been stolen from the Hyde Park Corner residence of United National Party Deputy Leader and former state minister of defense Ruwan Wijewardena.
This investigation has been initiated following a complaint made by Ruwan Wijewardena to the Kompanjaveediya police yesterday.
The stolen paintings date back to 1807, two centuries ago.
These paintings and the wristwatch were in the house’s bedroom.
According to Ruwan Wijewardena’s complaint to Kompanjaveediya Police, the theft occurred between the 24th and 27th mornings at around 7.30 a.m.
The police say that a person who has proper knowledge of the value of these paintings may have committed this theft.
Two priceless paintings by George Keyt have also been stolen in the same manner 10 years ago.
These paintings were stolen between July 12-19, 2013. The theft took place from the John Keels head office at Colombo 02, designated as a high-security zone by the police authorities.
Although the Kompannaveediya police have been investigating this art theft for the last five years, they have not yet been able to solve the crime.
The irony is that the operation of searching for Ruwan Wijewardene’s priceless, two-century-old “06” paintings has also been assigned to the Kompanjaveediya police.
